Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The 75-point doctoral degree prepares students for faculty positions in colleges, graduate schools of education, and universities, and for positions as research associates in research laboratories, biomedical schools, foundations, public policy, and arts and sciences, as well as policy research firms, governmental agencies, and NPOs. Throughout their program, doctoral candidates work in a close apprentice relationship with a faculty advisor of their choice. The Ph.D. degree requires completion of 75 points with an empirical research dissertation.

The aim of instruction at the doctoral level is to produce a psychologist who can make a sound and innovative research contribution to the study of human development, who is concerned with the relationship between development and education, and who is equipped to teach about such matters. Students acquire the conceptual background and methodological skills necessary for faculty positions in colleges and universities or for positions as associates and consultants in research laboratories, biomedical schools, and other applied settings.

While consultation between student and faculty advisor is considered to be the best way to decide which steps should be taken towards these goals, there are specific requirements for all students in Developmental Psychology that serve to define the character of the program and to ensure that all students have a common experience and acquire a common level of expertise in dealing with the core issues in the field.

The courses offered through the program provide content in the research and theoretical literature relating to all phases of the psychology of human development. All age groups are covered, from infancy through childhood, adolescence to adulthood, and later life. Coursework in developmental psychology can be supplemented by courses in the other psychology programs at Teachers College as well as by courses in the social sciences, linguistics, and other fields offered at Teachers College and the graduate faculty of Columbia University (including the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons). The doctoral program is focused primarily on training in the conduct of empirical (e.g., experimental, observational, and interview) research. Other types of research (theoretical, descriptive, and historical) may be undertaken in special circumstances of student and advisor competence.

The 75-point course of study has four components:

Breadth Requirement. Students choose four courses, with at least one chosen from each of the following areas: Biological Basis of Behavior, Cognitive Basis of Behavior, Social/Cultural Factors and Individual Differences, and Measurement.

Doctoral Requirements. Students are required to take advanced courses in Developmental Psychology as well as proseminar.

Methodology. All students are required to take the four-course statistics sequence. Students are required to take a special certification examination in research methodology. Students, in consultation with their advisor, should also enroll in the necessary advanced coursework to prepare for both the certification examination and their own research work.

Qualifying Paper. Students are required to write both a theoretical and an empirical paper to qualify for dissertation status.

Core Courses (12 points): Usually taken during the first year of study:

HUDK 6010 Developmental research methods (3)

HUDK 6520 Seminar in social and emotional development through childhood and adolescence (3)